Understanding the Mind-Body Connection in Widowhood Grief

Fall can feel heavy to me.  The always anticipated summer is coming to a close. School begins, the weather becomes cooler, leaves fall, pumpkin lattes are everywhere, and shorts and t-shirts are put away. The notion that winter is coming. But these are not the reasons why fall feels heavy to me, even though I do love warm weather and summer. My reasoning is different. My reasoning is grief. My …

What to Say to a Widow: How to Support a Widowed Friend

What to say to a grieving friend

When someone you love loses their spouse, it can be hard to know what to do—or even what to say. When their loved one dies, the emotional impact is profound and immediate. You want to comfort them, but you may worry about saying the wrong thing. The truth is, grief is lonely, and one of the most meaningful ways you can show up for a friend who is widowed is …

Grief & Work Performance: How to Manage Your Job After the Loss of a Spouse

A widowed businesswoman is feeling stressed in an office.

Losing a spouse is one of life’s most profound losses. When someone experiences grief after a significant loss, it can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their work. On top of the emotional weight, many widows face the reality of returning to work while their world feels completely changed. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule—and balancing workplace demands with the emotional, physical, and mental toll of loss can feel …

Helping Your Child Cope with the Loss of a Parent as the Surviving Parent

Losing a spouse is devastating, but watching your child grieve their other parent is a heartbreak all its own. As the surviving parent, you’re left to manage your own sorrow while also supporting your child through theirs. It’s a heavy dual role—caregiver, comforter, protector—and it can be difficult to know what to say or do. But even in the most painful moments, your presence and care can provide a sense …

Widows Can Have Fun Too: Surviving Widow Grief & Guilt

Grief doesn’t follow a straight line. One day you’re surviving hour by hour. The next, you laugh at something unexpected—and then feel a wave of guilt crash in. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve recently lost your spouse or it’s been years, “widowed grief and guilt” can sneak into moments of joy and leave you questioning your own healing. Let’s get one thing straight: You are allowed …

5 Things I’ve Learned Since My Husband’s Death

I was having a conversation with my daughter who is set to leave for college in a week. She stated that “no good can come from death.” I disagreed and realized this girl needed one more lesson before she headed off to college. I’m sure she rolled her eyes with every word. But our conversation reminded me of something that I wrote early in grief about the lessons that I …

Budgeting After Loss: How to Adjust Your Finances for a Single Income

Woman talking through budgeting after the loss of a spouse with a professional

Losing a spouse is one of life’s most painful experiences, and facing the practical realities—especially managing finances—can quickly feel overwhelming during such a difficult time. One of the biggest questions many face is how to claim bank account(s) of deceased spouse while adjusting to life on a single income. This guide is here to walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easier to understand what to expect and how …

Letting Light Back In After the Loss of a Spouse

Darkness can be described as the absence of light… vacancy, emptiness, void. To my grieving readers, this description may sound familiar to what you feel in your loss.   Grief indeed feels like the absence of light, without our loved one. Without our person, we feel lost without light in a perpetual soul search to find who we are after death. Many times we are faced with so many tasks and …

Restless

I have always been a worrier, and anxiety is a family affair-genetically touching many of my family members. I remember a childhood friend describing me as “a nervous little person.” This is who I am.   How Anxiety & Grief Intertwine My worries have shifted, changed, and continue to transform as I age and experience life. My anxiety has ebbed and flowed, sometimes worse… sometimes better. Early in my grief, …

Insurance Claims & Rates After Loss: How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Support You Need

On top of the emotional toll of losing your spouse, you may suddenly find yourself managing financial and legal matters that once felt far removed from your day-to-day life. Insurance—whether it’s life, health, or homeowners—often tops that list, and trying to navigate claims or policy changes while grieving can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the crucial insurance steps to take after your spouse’s death. We’ll also cover …

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